BADAKHSHAN

Music and dance from the Pamir Mountains

The autonomous region of Badakhshan, situated in the south east of Tajikistan, is the melting pot for an original culture as its population belongs to the Ishmaelian Shiite minority. Its musical heritage is unique and without equivalent in neighbouring regions. The vocal repertoire is based on a mystical poetry called madah, often accompanied by ecstatic dances that lead one into a trance. As for the great variety of instruments, a fascinating diversity of timbres and techniques characterise them.

Aqnazar Alovatov : song, rubab
Sahiba Davlatshaeva : song, dance
Mukhtor Muborakkadamov : setar
Doniyor Kholov : ney
Khushbakh Niyozov : daf